What To Do For Restless Children

Many parents wonder if they have restless children. Today there is a tendency to give children a diagnosis as soon as they move a little more than “normal”.

But some people say that you should rather worry when you see a child who is quiet and still. Activity is not only natural for children, but also healthy.

Below we talk more about this topic.

Restless children are not the same as hyperactive children

You may have ever wondered if your child is restless. But first you have to distinguish between a hyperactive, active or maybe even mischievous child.

Fortunately, today we have detailed and accurate information when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which in English is abbreviated to ADHD.

But with the increase in recent years when it comes to this diagnosis, the World Health Organization WHO has worked to define some behaviors that can indicate that a child suffers from this particular disability:

• Difficulty keeping your attention on a task that does not provide an immediate reward or that does not provide a high level of stimulus.
• Lack of attention to detail and inability to maintain a mental effort.
• Gets easily distracted and does not listen when talking directly to the person.
• Is forgetful and often loses things.
• Has difficulty planning.

• Too much motor activity and difficulty sitting still.
• Impulsivity. The person does not think about the consequences of his actions or opinions.
• Have difficulty waiting their turn in conversations, games or other activities.

I have restless children – what should I do?

Kids have a lot of energy, and that’s all right. But sometimes we do not know how to help them channel their energy in a good way. They need an outlet for this, they need understanding, and they need boundaries.

Some children have a type of excess energy, which does not fall under the definition of hyperactivity. In these cases, there are some things to keep in mind.

Communicate diligently

Restless children really need to know what will happen next. In general, all children are to some extent worried about not knowing what is going to happen. Therefore, it is good for them to have fixed routines.

Active children require that you talk to them about their daily lives, and repeat to them in a friendly way, all the steps that they should follow.

Clear boundaries for restless children

When children do not have clear boundaries, they feel lost. It makes them feel nervous and insecure. Therefore, the rules must be clear and consistent. You can not constantly change the rules or hesitate to ask the children to follow them.

You are your children’s most important support

The children need to be close to you and able to trust you, to be able to take steps towards independence without losing your love.

This is normal if you feel that you do not want to stay with them when they fall asleep, or if you feel that you do not have time to hold them until they calm down – but this is very important.

An adapted environment

Children love to help. Their energy can help them to be involved in the housework, depending on their age.

Get a step stool for the kitchen so they can help you beat eggs or fix snacks. Also, make sure that they have access to their toys and books so that they can develop their independence.

Be foresighted

No one knows your children better than you, so pay attention to their warning signs. For example, if you know that sugar stimulates them a little too much – avoid giving them treats with a lot of this.

On the other hand, if you know that your children will feel excited after a party, take some time afterwards to give them a warm bath and a massage to soothe them.

Restless children need to be activated

Your children need to get an outlet for that surplus energy. Therefore, it is good to bring them and leave them outdoors as much as possible. For example, let them run, climb, jump and enjoy the fresh air. Sports activities can be very helpful when it comes to channeling their energy.

Restless children also feel good about being able to sit down for a while and perform an activity that requires their attention and that develops their fine motor skills. They can, for example, put together puzzles, play with models, construction toys, finger paint or the like.

Finally – practice some form of relaxation technique with them. Children often agree if you are good at explaining how it works. When they begin to notice how good they feel when they do, they will begin to ask to do so.